The Girls on the Bridge (Pikene på broen)

The Girls on the Bridge (Pikene på broen) by Edvard Munch is a powerful graphic work created in 1919. This piece exemplifies the artist's enduring commitment to exploring themes of isolation and psychological tension through the expressive possibilities of printmaking. Munch utilized a complex combination of woodcut and lithograph to execute this composition, leveraging the strengths of both media. The woodcut element provides a stark, textured background and rich tonal depth, while the lithographic process ensures crisp definition for the figures and linear details. The fusion of these methods was typical of Munch’s experimentation during the 1919–20 period, allowing him to create layered, highly emotional images.

The subject, three young women clustered at a bridge railing, is central to Munch’s iconography, reflecting his sustained focus on youth, melancholy, and the passage of time. The scene is strongly associated with the town of Åsgårdstrand, Norway, demonstrating the crucial influence of the Norwegian landscape and culture on Munch's personal vocabulary. The strong diagonal line of the bridge pierces the composition, drawing the viewer into the expansive but often claustrophobic background. The figures stand as silent witnesses, their backs turned slightly, reinforcing the sense of contemplation and emotional distance that defines much of the artist's work.

As a leading figure in Expressionism, Munch was prolific in producing prints, recognizing their capacity for wider democratic distribution. His choice of graphic media, including woodcuts and lithographs, ensured that his dramatic imagery could reach a broad audience beyond his paintings. Munch continuously revisited this composition throughout his career, often altering the mood and palette depending on the medium. This particular print captures the essential melancholy and linear intensity characteristic of his late period. This exemplary work is housed in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), cementing Munch's legacy not only as a painter but as one of the most significant printmakers of the 20th century.